Tehran-backed group ready to reignite conflict with Israel
Hamas fighters in Gaza City (Getty Images)
Hamas has barely scratched the surface of its military might in the recent war with Israel, as revealed by an Iranian official. This suggests that the terrorist organization, supported by Tehran, is fully prepared to resume launching missile attacks on the Jewish state if the fragile ceasefire agreement collapses in the near future.
“During my meeting with Islamic Jihad and Hamas leaders in Beirut, they assured me that they have only utilized 10 to 12 percent of their capabilities and forces in Gaza,” stated Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. He made these remarks after holding discussions in Qatar, a safe haven for Hamas’s leadership.
According to a translation by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), Amir-Abdollahian added, “Approximately 90 percent of the Palestinian capabilities, forces, and weapons are still at their disposal and remain untapped. Therefore, they are in a favorable position.”
These comments from the Iranian diplomat indicate that Tehran is closely monitoring Hamas’s weapons supply to ensure sustained attacks on Israel if the ceasefire collapses. Iran not only armed Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups involved in the conflict but also reportedly assisted in planning the devastating October 7 attack, which claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis and plunged the region into all-out war.
Earlier this week, other Iranian leaders revealed that Tehran had supplied Hamas with Fajr-3 rockets, advanced artillery rockets based on North Korean designs, ahead of the attack on Israel. “As the production manager of those rockets, I personally delivered them to Hezbollah and the Palestinians,” disclosed Iranian official Ezzatollah Zarghami, a retired general from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, in an Arabic language interview translated by MEMRI.
Zarghami further explained, “I spent time inside the very same tunnels they are fighting from, providing training on rocket usage and specifications. These training courses were highly successful.”
These revelations coincide with Iran’s efforts to enhance its own arsenal of advanced military equipment, which it could potentially supply to its terrorist proxies. On Wednesday, Tehran announced the finalization of a deal with Russia to import advanced attack helicopters and jets for its armed forces, a move that will significantly upgrade its military capabilities, according to state-controlled press reports.
How does the recent statement by Abdollahian highlight the potential threat that Israel must remain vigilant about?
Abdollahian. His remarks underline the presence of a potential threat that Israel must remain vigilant about.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, which lasted for 11 days, resulted in immense destruction and loss of life. Both sides agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Egypt, ending the immediate hostilities. However, the fragile nature of this agreement leaves room for concern, as it may not hold in the long term.
Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by many countries including the United States and the European Union, has been a longstanding adversary of Israel. It has consistently launched rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, threatening the lives of Israeli citizens and causing significant damage to infrastructure.
The Iranian regime has been a staunch supporter of Hamas, providing the organization with financial and military assistance. Iranian officials have openly expressed their support for the Palestinian cause and their opposition to the existence of Israel. With Iran’s backing, Hamas has been able to strengthen its military capabilities and infrastructure in Gaza.
The statement made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abdollahian reveals that Hamas has been holding back a significant portion of its military forces and capabilities during the recent conflict. This indicates that Hamas may have reserved its full potential for future attacks on Israel. The fact that Iranian officials are openly discussing this issue highlights the level of confidence that Tehran has in its proxy.
Israel, already aware of the threat posed by Hamas, must pay close attention to this development. The Jewish state’s security forces and intelligence agencies need to be prepared for the possibility of Hamas reigniting the conflict in the near future.
The international community also has a role to play in ensuring that the ceasefire holds and preventing a resumption of hostilities. Diplomatic efforts should be intensified to address the root causes of the conflict and to find a sustainable solution that ensures the long-term security and well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Furthermore, it is crucial that the international community holds Iran accountable for its support of terrorist organizations like Hamas. The Iranian regime’s actions undermine peace and stability in the region and pose a threat not only to Israel but to the entire Middle East.
In conclusion, the recent remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abdollahian regarding Hamas’ military capabilities reveal a potential threat to Israel. It is imperative that Israel remains vigilant and prepared for any future attacks from Hamas. The international community must also take action to ensure the stability of the ceasefire and to hold Iran accountable for its support of terrorist organizations. Only through concerted efforts can a lasting peace be achieved in the Middle East.
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